The San Francisco 49ers went through some significant turnover at key positions, including their coaching staff, but were able to keep a core group of players intact: the wide receivers.
Among that group stands star wideout Deebo Samuel and extension-bound Brandon Aiyuk, but a core component of the 49ers' formula is fourth-year wideout Jauan Jennings, who is primed to retain his position as the starting slot receiver.
After being released in 2020 as a seventh-round draftee, Jennings has worked his way into an everyday role, taking over for the veteran Mohammed Sanu as the slot receiver midway through the 2021 season before holding that role full-time in 2022.
Jennings has steadily improved through his NFL career, jumping from 24 catches for 282 yards in 2021 to 35 catches for 416 yards in 2023, although his touchdown numbers dropped from 5 to 1 in that time span.
That leads to the question: Is Jauan Jennings primed for a breakout in 2023?
2022 play
Jennings had a slow start to the 2022 season, marred by an offseason fueled with drop concerns that led to questions surrounding his overall role to begin the year.
But, the wideout had a solid first game of the year, leading the 49ers with four catches and 62 yards in a loss to the Chicago Bears in a season where he would total 47% of the offensive snaps for the team.
The 2020 seventh-rounder's drop issues weren't a myth either, however, as Jennings finished the season with a 12.5% drop rate.
Overall, Jennings served as a capable third-down weapon, possessing good route-running abilities for his 6'3, 215-pound frame, helping the 49ers consistently move the chains on crucial downs.
Additionally, Jennings continued to serve as a prominent run-blocker on early downs, providing the necessary energy and force when the 49ers ran the football.
With the production he had in a starting role for the 49ers in 2023, it was a no-brainer to retain him on a cheap one-year, $940,000 deal for another season.
2023 role
Jennings enters the offseason in a similar place to where he ended the season: the odds-on favorite to win the starting slot position, given his run-blocking abilities, size, and route-running capabilities that have propelled the 49ers on a multitude of third-down conversions.
Many have pointed at second-year wide receiver Danny Gray, a third-round selection in the 2022 NFL Draft, as a successor for Jennings following another offseason under his belt, but I anticipate Jennings retaining his role, given the unique ability he provides for the 49ers in the slot, as well as the offense San Francisco intends to run.
So, will Jennings have a breakout season, continuing to improve on the numbers of the past year, or will he provide similar production in his second season as a full-time starter?
Given the number of weapons that San Francisco has, as well as a full offseason for Christian McCaffrey to get even more involved, I just don't see an increased opportunity for Jennings in 2023, although he should thrive in the supplementary role he's given.
The wideout still has drop concerns, while his lack of high-end speed limits the number of downfield opportunities, leaving Jennings with the same situation he had entering 2022.
Additionally, Deebo Samuel is looking for a bounce-back year, while Brandon Aiyuk is aiming for another 1,000-yard season ahead of a major contract extension.
Nonetheless, Jennings should be a key component of the 49ers' formula in 2023, especially in the run game, ahead of his restricted free-agent year in 2024.
